5196 case back

[pearson1995]

Sorry if this has been asked before, can you easily open up the gold case back easily to see the movement inside the 5196? Can’t find any videos of this.

Thank you.

[Tony64]

Originally Posted by pearson1995

Sorry if this has been asked before, can you easily open up the gold case back easily to see the movement inside the 5196? Can’t find any videos of this.

Thank you.

It's a snap back so shouldn't be difficult to do. I'd recommend against it though, you may not like what you see.

[pearson1995]

Originally Posted by Tony64

It's a snap back so shouldn't be difficult to do. I'd recommend against it though, you may not like what you see.

Is the movement not very nice?

[Tony64]

Beauty is subjective. Size is not. It was no accident that Patek chose a solid caseback.

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Beauty is subjective. Size is not. It was no accident that Patek chose a solid caseback.

Size does matter indeed!

[amadsen]

Though it's interesting that the 5119 had a display caseback. (Recently discontinued.)
Perhaps Patek is running through 215ps movements in advance of a more substantial revamp to the Calatrava line?

[scurfa]

Originally Posted by amadsen

Though it's interesting that the 5119 had a display caseback. (Recently discontinued.)
Perhaps Patek is running through 215ps movements in advance of a more substantial revamp to the Calatrava line?

Your right and I never thought the size an issue, I’m wondering what the changes may be to the Calatrava line?

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Beauty is subjective. Size is not. It was no accident that Patek chose a solid caseback.

Not far from the small Royal Oak movement which is displayed.

[mps354]

I love the 5196p. A larger movement and sapphire caseback would make it nearly perfect

[thekman]

Originally Posted by mps354

I love the 5196p. A larger movement and sapphire caseback would make it nearly perfect

Could not agree more. Really tempted to get one on the preowned but really at that price point I want to see a beautiful movement not a solid caseback.

[chows99]

Oh my. Why is the movement so small compared to the watch itself?

Isn't this awkward? For such a prestige brand, this can't be decided hastily right?

[gsg]

At least they bothered adding circular-graining to that spacer, could have been white nylon... ;)

[kneedeep]

Originally Posted by chows99

Oh my. Why is the movement so small compared to the watch itself?

Isn't this awkward? For such a prestige brand, this can't be decided hastily right?

Ancient outdated small movement slapped into more modern larger diameter pieces. Very embarrassing for a company of PP's stature. They don't really want people to see that any more.

[Calatrava r]

As has been said it is a snap back. You can pry it off with your thumb nail. The trick is getting it back on without messing up the gasket as it is a very snug fit. PP service told me not to open any watch unless in controlled conditions as dust and humidity will get on and into the movement.

[Juan Luis]

The size of the movement surely does not affect the great accuracy it has (+1 sec per day), on my example. And that's the point, in my opinion.

[scarlet knight]

I have a 5119. Can see the movement. I have no size issues. It is a beautiful watch.

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by scarlet knight

I have a 5119. Can see the movement. I have no size issues. It is a beautiful watch.

Yes it is. Looks great with the transparent case back as well.

[kneedeep]

I had a 5119. Sold it, movement didn’t look like it belonged in that watch.

[gsg]

Accuracy is the last thing I would have in mind if I were shopping for a 5196, I could not care less. Give me instead a nicely finished, nicely fitting movement in a classically shaped and sized case and I would be a very happy man. Even if it was +/- 25 secs a day.

Originally Posted by Juan Luis

The size of the movement surely does not affect the great accuracy it has (+1 sec per day), on my example. And that's the point, in my opinion.

[chloebear]

I've lusted after a 5196R for quite some time. First I've seen/heard of this giant spacer. I'm not crazy about that but it's still my top choice for a dress watch.

Any thoughts on versatility of this watch? Jeans and a polo? Jeans and a dress shirt?

[kneedeep]

Originally Posted by chloebear

I've lusted after a 5196R for quite some time. First I've seen/heard of this giant spacer. I'm not crazy about that but it's still my top choice for a dress watch.

Any thoughts on versatility of this watch? Jeans and a polo? Jeans and a dress shirt?

Think it wears well dressed up or dressed down.

[campfire]

Apologize for my ignorance. Is there a technical or historical reason for the snap case back? Is it to keep the watch thinner?

Also, I see a small "tab" at the bottom. Can this catch and open the case accidentally? By adding that "tab", it almost seems like it was meant to be opened (though I'm sure that's not the case).

[myporsche]

Who cares it's got a solid back (more gold and room for engraving) and smaller movement this is one of the most significantly important watch and movement in Pateks history.

[djona]

Originally Posted by chloebear

I've lusted after a 5196R for quite some time. First I've seen/heard of this giant spacer. I'm not crazy about that but it's still my top choice for a dress watch.

Any thoughts on versatility of this watch? Jeans and a polo? Jeans and a dress shirt?

I wear my 5196G with jeans.

[ts3]

Originally Posted by campfire

Apologize for my ignorance. Is there a technical or historical reason for the snap case back? Is it to keep the watch thinner?

The difference in thickness is small, maybe 1mm, and the snap back case may have been driven by minimizing costs, just like the decision to not develop a larger movement when they increased the case size from the 33.5mm 5096 to the 37mm 5196. The 5096 has a screw back case w display back and looks good w the small movement. Its 30.5mm predecessors 96 and 3796 had a snap back case.

[EmilA]

I have been thinking about one of these as my entry watch into the brand, thanks for the pictures :)

[campfire]

Originally Posted by ts3

The difference in thickness is small, maybe 1mm, and the snap back case may have been driven by minimizing costs, just like the decision to not develop a larger movement when they increased the case size from the 33.5mm 5096 to the 37mm 5196. The 5096 has a screw back case w display back and looks good w the small movement. Its 30.5mm predecessors 96 and 3796 had a snap back case.

Thanks ts3.

The last Patek I owned was a 5296G about 12 years ago. Seems like there've been some changes in the Calatrava line since then.

Love the 5196. Hopefully my next watch.

[mongrelnomoad]

Originally Posted by Tony64

Beauty is subjective. Size is not. It was no accident that Patek chose a solid caseback.

I find it a travesty that Patek, and Patek customers, accept these under-sized movements. Look at Lange to see how it's done, and perhaps when this crisis has crippled sales and revenues, perhaps Patek will actually have to start trying once more.

[kneedeep]

Originally Posted by mongrelnomoad

I find it a travesty that Patek, and Patek customers, accept these under-sized movements. Look at Lange to see how it's done, and perhaps when this crisis has crippled sales and revenues, perhaps Patek will actually have to start trying once more.

Totally agree with this. We'll see if Gen 3 can successfully navigate these stormy seas and keep the ship afloat.

[campfire]

Originally Posted by kneedeep

Totally agree with this. We'll see if Gen 3 can successfully navigate these stormy seas and keep the ship afloat.

From what I've read, this current 5196 is the one launched in 2004. Is that right? Or were there minor tweaks from that time?